Peru

Peru is located on the West coast of South America. It is home to a diverse number of indigenous tongues and dialects. Some of problems facing the country include child labor, child malnutrition and the high number of children who die in the winter months.

The Problem
• 34.8% of the population is living below poverty.

• More than 2 million children have some form of employment.

• Physical and sexual abuse of children often goes unreported.

• Up to 10,000 street and underprivileged children die in Lima every year.

What Buckner is Doing
In 2005, the Peruvian government sought out Buckner to help establish a foster care and transitional services program. Buckner's first mission trip to Peru was in September of 2005. Also in September of that year, Buckner leadership met with government officials to develop an NGO (nongovernmental organization) to begin operations. Buckner became a Peruvian Foundation in 2007.

Foster Care in Lima
In May of 2007 Buckner Peru and INABIF signed an agreement to develop a foster care program in Peru. On March 10, Buckner Peru made history when officials from the Ministry of Women and Social Development and Buckner placed eight Peruvian children into the country's first foster families. Prior to this significant event there was no foster care in Peru.

Youth Transitional Homes in Lima and Cusco
Designed to strengthen individuals aging out of orphan care. Residents are enrolled in an academic, vocational or rehabilitation program. Services include case management, room and board, education, job training, tutoring and mentoring.

Family/ Life Education in Lima
• Case Management Services – Supportive social services available in a community. Parent education classes, individual therapy and education support groups are many of the services provided.

• Evangelical Ministry/Mentoring – Adults connecting with at-risk children in a residential setting by providing faith-based character development, a positive influence and strong role modeling through regular contact in group and individual settings.

• Scholarships – Educational assistance provided to orphan graduates pursuing higher education or vocational training.

• Vocational Training – Family-based programming within a community or BCFS-operated community center that provides job skills, technology training, educational support and faith-based character development training.

• Family Intervention – Moderate to intensive services provided to families who are experiencing or are vulnerable to abuse/neglect, welfare dependency, delinquent behavior or other problems.

Pamplona Community Transformation Center
The Community Transformation Center in Pamplona began in 2011 and focuses on improving the lives of individuals and families in communities that experience moderate to extreme poverty by providing a holistic ministry approach. The CTC offers case management, parenting classes and access to computers. They give out free vitamins and shoes to children, and address the physical, spiritual, medical, emotional and vocational needs of clients.

Humanitarian Aid
More than 123,667 shoes have been distributed in Peru to date through the Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls program. Humanitarian aid donations have also included medical supplies and dehydrated food, de-worming pills and other necessities. This aid is distributed to many rural populations in the Amazon jungle as well as to many government orphanages.

How You Can Help:
• Pray: Make a commitment to pray for the children and families of Peru.

• Give: Make a donation online to support any of the programs listed above or call 214-758-8050 to make a donation by phone.

• Be an Advocate: Share the needs of children in Peru with your church, community, family and friends.

• Collect Shoes: Host a shoe drive or give a pair of shoes to help orphans in Peru.